The Blog

By Brian Deagon PMC Board Member

The noon-day temperature at Paramount Ranch was above 90 degrees and so was the excitement level for the 5K Walk and BBQ that raised more than $67,000 on Sunday.

The event was organized by The Pacific Meso Center and the proceeds will be used to support research into promising therapies that will provide better quality of life and increase the lifespan of mesothelioma patients. Asbestos has caused more than 220,000 deaths in the U.S. and millions worldwide.

Several hundred came to the event in Agoura Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, with entertainment provided by country singer Karen Tobin and her band.

There is no permanent cure at this time for victims of malignant pleural mesothelioma, but there is hope. That hope was evident at the Sunday event, which was infused with energetic chatter and laughter, from adults and children alike. Also evident was the mixture of both sadness and joy, as seen by the personalized T-shirts worn by team members of various Teams. Among them were T-shirts inscribed “In Loving Memory” with photos of loved ones that died from mesothelioma. One T-shirt had printed, “Now, then and forever, always our inspiration and strength.”

Among the 16 teams participating in the fundraiser was “The Irish Stampede.” They were easy to spot with their custom-designed green T-shirts in honor of Gerry and Kevin McCarthy, two brothers that fell victim to mesothelioma. Gerry died April 15, at age 60. Kevin died in 1997, at age 52.

Among the McCarthy family members, relatives and friends attending was Rob Welter, who knew the family well. He told of the day that Gerry first realized something was not right. While the two were together Gerry had leaned down to tie his shoes and realized it was getting harder and harder to breathe. That began the journey toward uncovering his illness. Gerry had four children.

Later that day at Paramount Ranch it was announced that The Irish Stampede won the award for raising the most money, at $17,685. They won dinner for 40 at Ottavio’s in Camarillo. https://www.ottavio.com/

Prizes and raffle items were generously donated by Rosemarie Ganoe of Captain’s Treasure Chest in Rancho Palos Verdes. Rosemarie who lost her husband to Mark last March from mesothelioma, has been a staunch supporter of PMC and held an incredible Casino evening this year raising over $60,000. https://www.captainstreasurechestjewelry.com/

Also in attendance was Team Evens, in honor of Randy Evens, a carpenter and businessman from Carson City, Nevada. His wife and daughter, Laura, were there with friends. Last year Randy was experiencing shortness of breath and other ailments and later tested positive for malignant pleural mesothelioma. He died August 2. Randy had three children and expectations of working well into his twilight years.

In spite of the difficult memories of loved ones lost, it was clear at the event that everyone was enthused and ready for the walk , which traversed rolling hills in Santa Monica Mountains State Park. When the walk ended, lunch was provided by Muddy’s BBQ and Catering, which served up a scrumptious delight of smoke-grilled beef brisket, chicken and ribs, accompanied by the music from Karen Tobin.

In attendance was Dr. Robert Cameron, PMC Scientific Advisor, who is also Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical, and a recognized international expert in mesothelioma.

“On this beautiful weekend when there are many things for people to do in L.A. it is heartening to see so many people come out to support mesothelioma research,” said Dr. Cameron.

The title sponsor of the event, Worthington & Caron, P.C. donated $10,000. The event raised more than twice the expected goal. https://www.mesothel.com/asbestos-cancer/mesothelioma-attorney/worthingtoncaron.htm

“I was incredibly pleased by the large turnout for our first annual 5K walk and BBQ,” said Clare Cameron, executive director of the Pacific Meso Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Los Angeles. “I am so grateful to the numerous volunteers who helped make this a fabulous and successful day. I am looking forward to our walk in 2013”.